MANCHESTER UNITED are still in the market for a number of players to help change course following a poor start to the Premier League season.
The Red Devils have lost their opening two league games of the season to Brighton and Brentford.
Erik ten Hag’s side conceded four at Brentford, placing them rock bottom of the Premier League table.
And they face rivals Liverpool next Monday, which could see United without a win or point in their opening three games.
A big departure could also be on the cards in the form of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 37-year-old communicated his desire to leave the club earlier this summer.
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However, United and Ten Hag insisted he would remain at old Trafford this season.
But former Real Madrid star Ronaldo is a sulky presence at Carrington, reportedly hardly talking to his team-mates.
And now Ten Hag is open to letting Ronaldo leave the club this summer.
Partner Georgina Rodriguez reportedly favours a return to Spain for their young family – but Ronaldo is lacking interest from his former stomping ground.
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SunSport takes a look at seven players who COULD help rescue Man Utd’s season.
Frenkie de Jong
Man Utd have been chasing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong all summer.
In fact, it is believed United agreed a deal with Barca for a £71.5million transfer.
However, De Jong, 25, wants to resolve a salary dispute with the Spanish giants owing him £17m in unpaid wages.
Rivals Chelsea are also keen on De Jong and can offer the Dutchman Champions League football.
De Jong would be a significant upgrade on Scott McTominay and Fred,
Casemiro
Midfield continues to be an issue for United.
Stars from the Red Devils’ past have openly spoken about the need to strengthen in the middle of the park.
And Real Madrid’s Casemiro is being linked with a transfer, despite his mainstay status in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
The 30-year-old five-time Champions League winner would add some much needed defensive stability in midfield.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s January free transfer to Barca from Arsenal appeared to work out well.
The 33-year-old scored 13 goals from January onwards across all competitions.
However, heading into this season, Aubameyang finds himself out of favour at the Camp Nou following the arrival of Ballon d’Or 2021 runner-up Robert Lewandowski.
Chelsea have been linked with a move for Aubameyang.
Boss Thomas Tuchel has worked with the player in the past at Borussia Dortmund.
However, should United steal a march on their rivals and sign Aubameyang, he could be an ideal replacement for Ronaldo, should the legendary forward leave.
Antony
United have been particularly weak in the wide areas.
Jadon Sancho continues to struggle to perform since his big money move from Dortmund last summer.
Marcus Rashford is also yet to rediscover himself.
Ten Hag has already brought Lisandro Martinez from Ajax to Old Trafford with him.
And tricky winger Antony, 22, was also linked with a move.
However, Ajax are demanding a high fee for the player.
Antony has the ability to get the Old Trafford faithful on their feet.
Robert Sanchez
Much like a number of first-team Man Utd stars, long-time servant David de Gea has also been deemed not good enough.
The Spaniard was at fault for goals in the 4-0 loss to Brentford.
His footwork, in particular, has come under fire.
And United could benefit from signing De Gea’s Spanish compatriot, Robert Sanchez, from Brighton.
The 24-year-old Spain international has kept 22 clean sheets in 66 Premier League games.
Denzel Dumfries
Ten Hag’s transfer policy this summer has largely consisted of signing players he is personally familiar with.
Tyrell Malacia, Martinez and Christian Eriksen have all been signed. All three have experience playing in Holland.
And a player linked with a move to United is former PSV star Denzel Dumfries.
The 26-year-old right-back could leave Inter Milan this summer.
Ten Hag is familiar with the player, however, rivals Chelsea have also been linked with Dumfries.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka appears to be out favour at Old Trafford with Diogo Dalot currently preferred.
Pau Torres
Strength and consistency in the heart of the defence is also a major problem for United.
Club captain Harry Maguire has proved unreliable and error prone, especially last season.
And new signing Martinez, who is on the smaller side, is being targeted by teams aerially.
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Villarreal’s star centre-back Pau Torres was consistently linked with a transfer to Old Trafford this summer.
The player would bring a wealth of experience from one of Europe’s top five leagues, and he has played in Europe’s elite competition, the Champions League.
Torres, 25, would not be a cheap deal to seal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
